The Idiot Sweep

Kron Gracie vs Marcleo Garcia at ADCC 2009 is one of my favourite BJJ matches of all time. Here it is:

 

There’s lots to talk about in this match, but one of the sweeps that Marcelo goes for time after time is his double knee push, a sweep that Stephan Kesting calls the Idiot Sweep, because (I think) you feel like an idiot when its done to you. It does have a certain Laurel and Hardy or The Three Stooges quality to it. It’s also known as the Dummy Sweep.

The Idiot Sweep involved catching both the opponent’s legs at the back of the ankles with your feet, then pushing hard on their knees, causing them to fall. It’s a great sweep to apply from the sit-up guard. In the video of the match, Marcelo successfully trips Kron with it at 1.31 and 4.10, as well as using it several other times as a constant threat whenever Kron stands.

giphy

 

Here’s a handy breakdown on how to apply the technique, and also some modifications that Gary Tonon has made to make it easier to follow up:

 

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